Wound dressing garment

ABSTRACT

A wound dressing garment is provided. The wound dressing garment includes a wearable garment including a portion having a hole configured to receive a wound dressing therein in combination with the wound dressing. The wound dressing includes a border connecting the wound dressing to the wearable garment where the border extends around the perimeter of the hole to locate the wound dressing therein. The wound dressing may include one or more additional layers including a hydrogel layer. A method for treating wound or preventing bed sores using the wound dressing garment is also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/649,981, filed Oct. 11, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/546,272, filed Oct. 12, 2011, which areherein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a wound dressing incorporatedinto a garment for covering wounds on human and animal skin or toprevent wounds from developing on human and animal skin. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a moisture vaporpermeable dressing that is affixed or otherwise attached to a garment tofacilitate manipulation of the dressing over the wound area.

2. Description of Related Art

Bed sores/pressure ulcers are pressure injuries that are just one typeof trauma that can occur to skin. Generally it occurs from constantlylying in one position that prevents blood flow to particular tissue. Asa result, the epidermis breaks down and then the dermis sloughs orshears off resulting in a shallow or deep wound.

Current approaches to treating these pressure injuries include foambased products, socks infused with gel using aloe or lanolin, or Latexproducts. However, foam based products tend to be bulky and add heat tothe wound area inhibiting healing, socks infused with gel arenon-therapeutic, and Latex applications have limited breathability.

In addition, most current wound care treatments include individualdressing pieces that imperfectly cover the wound. In fact, certain woundcare treatments require cutting and applying customized dressing pieceswhich can be time consuming and makes rapid application of the dressingvirtually impossible. Further, these cumbersome operations would have tobe performed each time the dressing is changed.

For patients that are bed ridden, or are required to spend extendedperiods of time in bed, it is often difficult for them to spend the timein a single position whether it is on their side, prone or supine. As aresult, there is often a need for constant repositioning of the wounddressing as patients shift about.

Therefore it is desirable to provide a wound dressing garment thataddresses one or more of the problems identified above. As such, thereis a need for a conformable wound dressing with high absorbency and anability to fit different wound sites including the heel, elbow or otherprotuberances of a body without wrinkling or appearing bulky. Inaddition, the wound dressing garment should be useable with both bedridden or ambulatory patients that allows treatment and monitoring ofthe wound. In addition to protecting and providing healing to wounds onthe skin, there is a need to provide a system of preventing ulcers fromforming, in particular to prevent the heels and elbows of patients atrisk from ulcerating. In some instances it is also desirable to providea wound dressing garment that allows for monitoring by a healthcareprofessional or individual.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to principles of this invention and to address one or more ofthe problems with conventional wound care treatments, a wound dressinggarment is provided. The wound dressing garment includes a wearablegarment including a portion having a hole configured to receive a wounddressing therein in combination with the wound dressing. The wounddressing includes a border connecting the wound dressing to the wearablegarment where the border extends around the perimeter of the hole tolocate the wound dressing therein.

The border may have a central opening and the wound dressing may includea hydrogel layer located at the central opening.

The wound dressing may include a mesh layer disposed below the hydrogellayer where the mesh layer is configured to allow dispersal of thehydrogel layer.

The wound dressing may further include an adhesive layer to secure themesh layer to the hydrogel layer and the border.

The wound dressing may include at least one transparent layer above thehydrogel layer. The at least one transparent layer may be formed of oneof a hypoallergenic film, an oxygen-permeable film and a vapor-permeablefilm. By way of example, the at least one transparent layer may includea first transparent layer formed of a hypoallergenic film and a secondtransparent layer formed of an oxygen-permeable, vapor-permeable film.

The wound dressing may include a structural layer disposed above thehydrogel layer where the structural layer and the adhesive layer preventdispersion of the hydrogel layer prior to being placed on a body part.

The wearable garment may be selected from one of a sock and a sleeve.For example, the wearable garment may be a sock configured to be worn ona foot and the wound dressing may be located in one of a heel region, anankle region, and a leg region of the sock. Alternatively, the wearablegarment may be a sleeve configured to be worn on an appendage and thewound dressing is locatable to cover a joint of the appendage.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a wounddressing garment for treatment of wounds to skin or to protect the skinfrom wound development is provided. The wound dressing garment includesa wearable garment in the form of a sock or sleeve, the wearable garmenthaving a hole configured to receive a wound dressing therein, thewearable garment being configured to hold the wound dressing in contactwith the skin. The wound dressing may be configured to cover the skin totreat a wound or to protect the skin from developing a wound at thelocation of the wound dressing. The wound dressing includes a borderconnecting the wound dressing to the wearable garment where the borderextends around the perimeter of the hole to locate the wound dressingtherein. The border has a central opening. The wound dressing includes ahydrogel layer located at the central opening, a mesh layer disposedbelow the hydrogel layer, the mesh layer configured to allow dispersalof the hydrogel layer, an adhesive layer to secure the mesh layer to thehydrogel layer and the border, a structural layer disposed above thehydrogel layer, the structural layer and adhesive layer preventingdispersion of the hydrogel layer prior to contact with the skin and atleast one transparent layer above the hydrogel layer.

The wearable garment may be provided with at least one of a ventilationchannel tab, an evaporation channel and a resealable opening.

The wearable garment may be in the form of a sock and have an elasticcuff and a non-cinching portion. Alternatively, the wearable garment maybe a sleeve having a pair of elastic cuffs.

The hydrogel layer may include hydrogel in combination with antibioticsor anti-inflammatories to assist in the treatment of a wound.

In accordance with principles of the present invention, a method oftreating a wound on skin or preventing wound formation on skin isprovided. The method includes placing a wound dressing garment describedabove on a foot or appendage and activating the wound dressing to causedispersal of the hydrogel layer to the skin.

The method may further include monitoring the wound dressing, which mayinclude observing the skin through the wound dressing.

Further scope of applicability of the present application will becomemore apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However,it should be understood that the detailed description and specificexamples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, aregiven by way of illustration only, since various changes andmodifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawingswhich are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitativeof the present invention and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a wound dressing garmentaccording to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention andFIG. 1A illustrates a modification of the wound dressing garment of FIG.1;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of a wound dressing garmentaccording to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention andFIG. 2A illustrates a modification of the wound dressing garment of FIG.2;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the wound dressing garment of FIG. 2;and

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a wound dressing garmentaccording to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a wound dressing garmentaccording to a fourth exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of an exemplary wound dressingaffixed or attached to a garment; and

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the exemplary wounddressing of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary wound dressing garments will now be described with referenceto the accompanying drawings. Like numbers referring to similar elementsin the various exemplary embodiments will be used in the descriptionthat follows and the descriptions may not be repeated.

A wound dressing garment according to a first exemplary embodiment isillustrated in FIG. 1. The wound dressing garment includes a sock shapedgarment 100, hereinafter “sock”, and a wound dressing 500 affixed orattached thereto. The sock 100 is shaped so as to cover the foot and atleast part of the calf of an individual. The sock 100 includes a footportion 102, an ankle portion 104 and a leg portion 106. As shown inthis exemplary embodiment, the wound dressing 500 may extend across theankle portion 104 and the leg portion 106; however, it is understoodthat the wound dressing 500 is not limited to this location. Forexample, the wound dressing 500 may cover the rim of the heel edgeextending to the sole. The wound dressing 500 includes a wound dressingborder 502 that connects the wound dressing 500 to the sock 100. Thewound dressing 500 will be discussed in greater detail below withrespect to FIG. 6.

The sock 100 may include a non-binding, non-restrictive elastic cuff 108provided at the top of the leg portion 106. The cuff 108 serves toprevent the sock from slipping down the leg of the individual. The cuff108 may be attached to a large gauge mesh weave 110 that defines theupper portion of leg portion 106 and is stretchable to allow a foot tobe inserted through the opening of the sock 100 and to contract andcollapse against the leg of the individual once the foot is inserted. Asmaller gauge mesh weave 112 is connected to the mesh weave 110 andspans the leg portion and the ankle portion. The mesh weave 112 may bein the form of a panel so as to cover the dorsum of the foot and mayextend upward to cover a lower portion of the shin bone as it tapers andis joined to the mesh weave 110. A non-wrinkle or non-cinching portion114 may be provided in the middle of the mesh weave 112 or it can beprovided at one end of the mesh weave 112 opposite the mesh weave 110.As shown in FIG. 1, the non-wrinkle portion 114 may have a transitionportion that tapers into a mesh weave prior to reaching a toe portion116; however, it is understood that the non-wrinkle portion 114 mayextend to the toe portion 116. The sock 100 ends at the toe portion 116and the toe portion 116 may be designed to provide a wide or loose fitso as to not feel restrictive on a foot of the individual. To this end,the toe portion 116 may be seamless. Alternatively, the toe portion 116may be eliminated, thereby providing an open-toe sock 100′ arrangementas shown in FIG. 1A, so as to be less restrictive on the individual'sfoot.

The sock 100 may include a pair of evaporation channels 118 that extendalong the sides of the sock from the toe portion 116 of the foot portion102 towards the ankle portion 104. In addition, a pair of ventilationchannel tabs 120, one for each side of the foot, may be disposed in thefoot portion 102. The purpose of the evaporation channels 118 andventilation channel tabs 120 is to allow for the evaporation and/ortransportation of moisture.

A non-skid tread 122 may also be provided on the sole of the sock 100 inthe foot portion 102. In the exemplary embodiment, the tread 122 extendsbetween the ball of the foot and the heel of the foot; however, it isunderstood that the non-skid tread 122 may be provided at other portionsof the sock. The tread 122 may be made of silicon rubber or othersuitable materials.

To use the wound dressing garment, a health care professional or theindividual can apply the sock 100 by placing it over the foot and leg.Once in place, the wound dressing garment is arranged so that the wounddressing 500 covers the heel, ankle, leg or portions thereof to coverany wounds, such as cuts, bruises or ulcers or to prevent ulcers fromforming in that area. The health care professional or individual canadjust the location of the wound dressing to cover a majority of woundsthat could occur in the heel, ankle or leg.

A second exemplary wound dressing garment similar to the sock 100 ofFIG. 1 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. This sock shaped garment 200,hereinafter “sock” mostly differs from the sock 100 in that the sock 200is a shorter length sock, often referred to as an ankle length sock, andthe possible locations of the wound dressing 500. Based on the size ofthe sock 200, the wound dressing 500 is more generally localized aroundthe heel and/or ankle of the individual and may cover the heel rimextending under the foot to the sole.

The sock 200 includes a foot portion 202 and an ankle portion 204. Asshown in this exemplary embodiment, the wound dressing 500 may belocated in the ankle portion 204; however, it is understood that thewound dressing 500 is not limited to this location. The wound dressing500 includes a wound dressing border 502 that connects the wounddressing 500 to the sock 200. The wound dressing 500 will be discussedin greater detail below with respect to FIG. 6.

The sock 200 may include a non-binding, non-restrictive elastic cuff 208provided at the top of the ankle portion 204. The cuff 208 may beattached to a large gauge mesh weave 210 that defines the upper portionof ankle portion 204 and is stretchable to allow a foot to be insertedthrough the opening of the sock 200 and to contract and collapse againstthe ankle of the individual once the foot is inserted. A smaller gaugemesh weave 212 is connected to the mesh weave 210 and spans theremaining ankle portion. The mesh weave 212 may be in the form of apanel so as to cover the dorsum of the foot and may extend upward as ittapers and is joined to the mesh weave 210. A non-wrinkle ornon-cinching portion 214 may be provided in the middle of the mesh weave212 or it can be provided at one end of the mesh weave 212 opposite themesh weave 210. As shown in FIG. 2, the non-wrinkle portion 214 islocated in a central region of the mesh weave 212 and the mesh weave 212extends to a toe portion 216; however, it is understood that thenon-wrinkle portion 214 may extend to the toe portion 216. The sock 200ends at the toe portion 216 and the toe portion 216 may be designed toprovide a wide or loose fit so as to not feel restrictive on a foot ofthe individual. To this end, the toe portion 216 may be seamless.Alternatively, the toe portion 216 may be eliminated, thereby providingan open-toe sock 200′ arrangement as shown in FIG. 2A, so as to be lessrestrictive on the individual's foot.

The sock 200 may include a pair of evaporation channels 218 that extendalong the sides of the sock from the toe portion 216 of the foot portion202 towards the ankle portion 204. In addition, a pair of ventilationchannel tabs 220, one for each side of the foot, may be disposed in thefoot portion 202. The purpose of the evaporation channels 218 andventilation channel tabs 220 is to allow for the evaporation and/ortransportation of moisture.

A non-skid tread 222 may also be provided on the sole of the sock 200 inthe foot portion 202. In the exemplary embodiment, the tread 222 extendsbetween the ball of the foot and the heel of the foot; however, it isunderstood that the non-skid tread 222 may be provided at other portionsof the sock. The tread 222 may be made of silicon rubber or othersuitable materials.

A third exemplary wound dressing garment similar to the sock 200 ofFIGS. 2 and 3 is illustrated in FIG. 4. This sock shaped garment 300,hereinafter “sock” differs from the sock 200 in that the sock 300 isprovided with a re-sealable opening 330. The purpose of the re-sealableopening is to allow positioning of the sock 300 on the individualwithout requiring that the sock be slid up the individual's foot. There-sealable opening 330 may be in the shape of a V and can be closedusing conventional means (not shown), such as, for example, VELCRO typetape or hook and loop fasteners, provided on opposing edges of the Vshape opening. Other features of the sock 300 are similar to thosedescribed above regarding sock 200 and are not repeated here.

Having described wound dressing garments that are in the form of sockshaped garments, it should be understood that the wound dressing garmentis not limited to sock shape garments. A fourth exemplary wound dressinggarment is illustrated in FIG. 5 as used on an appendage, in this casean arm. It is understood that this wound dressing garment could be usedon the leg as well. The wound dressing garment includes a sleeve shapedgarment 400, hereinafter “sleeve,” and a wound dressing 500. The wounddressing 500 will be discussed in greater detail below with respect toFIG. 6.

Sleeve 400 includes a pair of non-binding, non-restrictive elastic cuffs408 provided at opposite ends thereof. The cuffs 408 allow for thesleeve 400 to be easily positioned on an appendage to cover a joint,such as a knee or elbow, and to hold the sleeve 400 in place on theappendage. The sleeve 400 can include a wide band of non-binding,stretchable mesh material 410 that is connected to both cuffs 408. Themesh material 410 may be large gauge mesh that is easily stretchable toallow for the insertion of the appendage and to conform to the contourof the joint. In the case of an elbow, the mesh material 410 would bearranged in the crook of the arm. Preferably, the mesh material 410would be selected so as not to overly wrinkle or bunch-up when theappendage is moved. As above, the wound dressing 500 may be affixed orattached to the sleeve 400 by a border 502.

The sleeve 400 may include a pair of evaporation channels 418 thatextend along the length of the sleeve 400. In addition, a pair ofventilation channel tabs 420 are provided, one located on each side ofthe joint, which in this exemplary embodiment is the elbow. The purposeof the evaporation channels 418 and ventilation channel tabs 420 is toallow for the evaporation and/or transportation of moisture.

Similar to sock 300, the sleeve 400 may have a re-sealable closing strip(not shown). The purpose of the re-sealable closing strip is to allowpositioning of the sleeve 400 on the individual without requiring thatthe sock be slid up the individual's appendage. The re-sealable closingstrip may be any conventional means, such as, for example, VELCRO typetape or hook and loop fasteners, provided on opposing edges of there-sealable closing strip.

To use the wound dressing garment, a health care professional or theindividual can apply the sleeve 400 by sliding it in place over anappendage. Once in place, the wound dressing garment is arranged so thatthe wound dressing 500 may cover a knee, leg, elbow or arm to coverand/or treat any wounds, such as cuts, bruises, burns or ulcers or toprevent ulcers from forming in that area. The health care professionalor individual can adjust the location of the wound dressing to cover amajority of wounds that could occur in these locations.

Having described the various wound dressing garments, the wound dressingwill be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. As shown in FIG. 6,the wound dressing 500 may include a wound dressing border 502 that isconnected to a sock 100, 100′, 200, 200′ or 300 or sleeve 400, a blisterpack mesh layer 504, an adhesive layer 506, a hydrogel layer 508, astructural layer 510, a first transparent layer 512, a secondtransparent layer 514 and an outermost layer 516. The layers of wounddressing 500 may be arranged to provide a transparent portal to allowobservation of the wound or potential wound area. It is understood thatone or more of these layers may be excluded depending on the desiredapplication of the wound dressing 500. The wound dressing 500 may have abell shaped contour to cover an ankle or heel or may be a thin flexiblepanel to follow the contour of the body part where it is positioned.

The wound dressing border 502 surrounds the remaining layers of thewound dressing 500 and provides two functions. It secures the wounddressing 500 to the garment and provides structural integrity to thewound dressing 500. The border 502 is affixed or attached to the sock orsleeve via cold pressing, aqua sealing or other suitable manufacturingprocesses. For example, one method for affixing or attaching the border502 to the sock or sleeve would involve providing a cut out portion inthe sock or sleeve and sealing or adhering the cut out fringes of thesock or sleeve material between two spaced edges of the wound dressingborder 502 so as to sandwich the cut out fringes between portions of thewound dressing border 502. In this manner, the wound dressing 500 may bereliably secured to the sock or sleeve.

The mesh layer 504 may be a sterile, perforated or semi-perforated layerthat contacts the skin surrounding the wound area or potential woundarea as well as extending over the area itself. For example, region 504a may be disposed around the wound area while region 504 b covers thewound area. As shown, the mesh layer 504 does not need to extend all theway to the border 502 as it may be secured to the border 502 via theadhesive layer 506, although it is understood that different sizedblister pack mesh layers could be provided. The mesh layer may be madeof a material that is dissolvable or otherwise absorbable by thehydrogel in the hydrogel layer 508 once the hydrogel is dispersed.

The adhesive layer 506 is located between the mesh layer 504 and thehydrogel layer 508 and, as shown in the exemplary embodiment, may alsobe placeable into contact with the skin as it extends to the end of theborder 502 to help hold the wound dressing 500 in place. The adhesivelayer should be thin enough to allow the hydrogel layer to be activatedthrough the mesh layer 504. The adhesive layer can be formed from anysuitable adhesive and may also be a slightly tackier hydrogelcomposition than the hydrogel layer 508.

The hydrogel layer 508 is located above the adhesive layer and may beany suitable hydrogel or hydrogel in combination with antibiotics,anti-inflammatories and/or other medicinal aides. The appropriateamounts can be selected to provide desired results know to one ofordinary skill in the art. For example, as non-limiting examples,several different hydrogels are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,244 toQuarfoot et al. and U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2009/0148394to Muno, which are incorporated herein by reference. An additionaladhesive layer (not shown) may be provided between the hydrogel layer508 and the mesh layer 504 that may attach the dispersed hydrogel to theskin once it has been exuded through the mesh layer.

The structural layer 510 is arranged above the hydrogel layer 508 andmay be any suitable film material. The structural layer 510 may bestretchable so as to allow for expansion of the hydrogel layer if itabsorbs wound exudate and to be flexible to allow the wound dressing 500to follow the contours of region where the wound dressing 500 is placedon the body. Depending on the properties of the hydrogel layer and thestructural layer 510 a bond may be provided by an intervening layer (notshown).

The first and second transparent layers 512 and 514 are provided toprevent the other layers from being easily separate from the border 502.The first and second layers may be selected from different materials toprovide different properties. For example, the first transparent layer512 may provide protection from outside bacteria and other contaminants.For example, it may be a hypoallergenic, non-adhesive flexible plasticfilm that allows vapor and gases to escape through the material in onedirection but blocks contaminants and moisture from passing in theopposite direction.

The second transparent layer 514 may be the outermost layer from theskin and may be in the form of a thin, oxygen- and vapor-permeable film.The second transparent layer 514, in combination with the other layersmay define a viewing portal such that the wound or potential wound areacan be observed during treatment.

Outermost layer 516 may be optionally provided as a reinforcing layer tothe transparent layers 512 and 514. In addition, outermost layer 516 maybe selected from different materials from those of the transparentlayers 512 and 514 depending on which additional properties are desired.

Once the wound dressing 500 has been assembled and attached to thegarment, the wound dressing garment can be sealed in a sterile containeror bag until it is to be used. At that point, the healthcareprofessional or individual simply removes the wound dressing garment andplaces it in position on the foot of the individual or appendage of theindividual. Pressure can then be applied to the wound dressing 500 toactivate it, which causes the hydrogel layer 508 to seep through ordissolve the mesh layer 504. After which, the wound dressing 500 can bemonitored by the healthcare profession or individual.

The wound dressing garment assists in carrying out the treatment ofwounds, ulcers or burns by providing a stable positioning of thehydrogel layer of the wound dressing. This position is assisted by thecombination of the wound dressing with a lightweight garment, which maybe a sock or sleeve. The wound dressing garment assists in applicationor positioning of the wound dressing, while diminishing or avoidingdisplacement of the dressing and may be expanded for use in treatment ofother parts of the body. In certain circumstances, the patient canattend to his medication through the wound dressing directly withoutassistance from a healthcare professional. The placement and stabilitycreated through the securing of the wound dressings enables the advanceddressings to remain in place longer, aid in prevention of infection andpromote healing.

The wound dressing garment provides advantages over other conventionapproaches in that the wound dressing garment can be provided as aunitary structure, which includes an adhesive border of the wounddressing for securing the wound dressing to the wound area, adding easeof application. The wound dressing garment also has the ability tocontain exudates while providing vapor permeability. Additionally, thetransparent wound dressing provides a hydrogel wound bed layer forresting the wound locus and thus reducing constant need forrepositioning, while at the same time, providing a moist, cool climatefor healing that can be easily monitored for effective treatment.

When the wound dressing garment is used to treat wounds, as opposed toprotecting the skin from the generation of wounds, it can reduce one ormore undesirable aspects of a wound. For example, in the context of achronic skin lesion, the wound dressing garment can help in thereduction of pain associated with the wound, pain associated with thechanging of the dressing, exudation, smell, irritation and/orhyperkeratosis.

The invention thus being described, it will be obvious that the same maybe varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as adeparture from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all suchmodifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intendedto be included within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A wound dressing garment comprising: a wearablegarment including a portion having a hole; a wound dressing located inthe hole, the wound dressing including: a border connecting the wounddressing to the wearable garment, the border extending around aperimeter of the hole to locate the wound dressing therein, the borderdefining a central opening; a hydrogel layer located at the centralopening; a mesh layer disposed below the hydrogel layer, the mesh layerconfigured to allow dispersal of the hydrogel layer; and an adhesivelayer to secure the mesh layer to the hydrogel layer and the border, theadhesive layer being located between the hydrogel layer and the meshlayer, the adhesive layer allowing the hydrogel layer to be activatedthrough the mesh layer.
 2. The wound dressing garment according to claim1, wherein the wound dressing includes at least one transparent layerabove the hydrogel layer.
 3. The wound dressing garment according toclaim 2, wherein the at least one transparent layer is formed of one ofa hypoallergenic film, an oxygen-permeable film and a vapor-permeablefilm.
 4. The wound dressing garment according to claim 2, wherein the atleast one transparent layer includes a first transparent layer formed ofa hypoallergenic film and a second transparent layer formed of anoxygen-permeable, vapor-permeable film.
 5. The wound dressing garmentaccording to claim 1, wherein the wound dressing includes a structurallayer disposed above the hydrogel layer, the structural layer andadhesive layer preventing dispersion of the hydrogel layer prior tobeing placed on a body part.
 6. The wound dressing garment according toclaim 1, wherein the wearable garment is selected from one of a sock anda sleeve.
 7. The wound dressing garment according to claim 1, whereinthe wearable garment is a sock configured to be worn on a foot and thewound dressing is located in one of a heel region, an ankle region, anda leg region of the sock.
 8. The wound dressing garment according toclaim 1, wherein the wearable garment is a sleeve configured to be wornon an appendage and the wound dressing is locatable to cover a joint ofthe appendage.
 9. The wound dressing garment according to claim 1,wherein the wearable garment includes at least one of a ventilationchannel tab, an evaporation channel and a re-sealable opening.
 10. Thewound dressing garment according to claim 1, wherein the wearablegarment is a sock having an elastic cuff and a non-cinching portion. 11.The wound dressing garment according to claim 1, wherein the wearablegarment is a sleeve having a pair of elastic cuffs.
 12. The wounddressing garment according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogel layerincludes hydrogel in combination with antibiotics oranti-inflammatories.
 13. A method of treating a wound on skin orpreventing wound formation on skin, the method comprising: placing awound dressing garment according to claim 1 on a foot or appendage;activating the wound dressing to cause dispersal of the hydrogel layerto the skin.
 14. The method according to claim 13, further comprisingmonitoring the wound dressing.
 15. The method according to claim 14,wherein monitoring the wound dressing includes observing the skinthrough the wound dressing.